Roger over at LensRentals.com ran the new EF 24-70 f/2.8L II through an Imatest session and found it to be a stellar performer as far as resolution goes.

From Roger

“This is short, sweet, and simple. The resolution absolutely, positively kicks butt and takes names. It is way better than the lens it replaces. It’s better at 70mm than the best Canon zoom I know of, the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II. It’s even better at 24mm than the sharpest 24mm prime we have, the Canon 24 TS-E. In the center, in the corners, it doesn’t care. We only had 5 copies to test, but they were all very similar with little copy-to-copy variation.

Resolution is not everything, of course. But it’s certainly an important thing. Unless the real lens reviewers find some dramatic problems with this lens, I’d have to lean towards worth-the-money on this one. I can’t believe I’m saying that a $2,300 standard zoom is worth the money. But then again, I can’t believe I’m seeing a zoom lens out resolve a $2,000 world-class prime, either.”

The Imatest results are below. The higher the number, the better.

Lens

24mm Ctr

24mm Avg

70mm Ctr

70mm Avg

Canon 24-70 f/2.8 II

954

831

950

809

Canon 24-70 f/2.8

730

605

705

570

Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC

815

765

735

655

Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS II

xx

xx

885

765

Canon24 f/3.5 TS-E

915

775

xx

xx

As you can see, the new EF 24-70 f/2.8L II is an absolute resolution monster. It really looks like it’s the best zoom Canon has ever made optically. There is a small note that distortion at 24mm is slightly worse than version 1, but that’s what software is for. :)

As you can see, the new EF 24-70 f/2.8L IS II is an absolute resolution monster. It really looks like it’s the best zoom Canon has ever made optically. There is a small note that distortion at 24mm is slightly worse than version 1, but that’s what software is for.

I wish they had evaluated the edges and corners specifically (and not only giving average numbers whatever these are). Until then it's the TS-E for me although it's an apples to oranges comparison: I wonder how the 24-70 performs shifted and tilted, oh wait Now that does not mean I am not tempted... (I had a nice 24-70 version I which was stolen )

As you can see, the new EF 24-70 f/2.8L IS II is an absolute resolution monster. It really looks like it’s the best zoom Canon has ever made optically. There is a small note that distortion at 24mm is slightly worse than version 1, but that’s what software is for.

Now if it only didn't cost both arms and a leg...

If it makes you feel any better, it costs all four limbs here in the UK - £2,300 (US$ 3,697).

Does it have similarly high performance across the entire focal range?

I'd imagine its as good if not better at 50mm, since that would be the easiest part of the zoom. I think determining it at 24 and 70 makes sense, since that is when the lens has to do the hardest work, so to speak.

I always imagined going down the prime route when i get a FF... have the 24-105, but then buy a nice set of primes... this certainly explains the price-tag! If you can get better then prime res. on a zoom...

I always imagined going down the prime route when i get a FF... have the 24-105, but then buy a nice set of primes... this certainly explains the price-tag! If you can get better then prime res. on a zoom...

Do you think the cost of the primes might fall as a result of this?

No because good primes are F1.2-F1.4 range..This is f2.8 so this is something a zoom can never match a prime…and sometimes that's why people buy a prime.

I always imagined going down the prime route when i get a FF... have the 24-105, but then buy a nice set of primes... this certainly explains the price-tag! If you can get better then prime res. on a zoom...

Do you think the cost of the primes might fall as a result of this?

No because good primes are F1.2-F1.4 range..This is f2.8 so this is something a zoom can never match a prime…and sometimes that's why people buy a prime.

One... claiming the 24 TS/e is the sharpest lens canon has created....two... they forget that canon made a 28-70mm 2.8 that consistently beat the 24-70I in all tests...but neglected to track down a copy and compare.

I think this is promo-hype to try and sell an overpriced piece of glass.$1800 sure...but 2300 is obscene.